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Theodore Roosevelt (Childhood of the Presidents)

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Want to know more about American presidents? The American Presidents series is one approach. This volume in the series focuses on the old Rough Rider himself, Theodore Roosevelt. First, a confession. I have read 2 of the 3 volume set by Edmund Morris. Obviously, I have an interest in depth (the second volume alone features 555 pages of text). But most people would welcome a shorter--but still good--view of TR. And this volume will meet the needs of such people.

Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. has a standard Introduction to each volume. With respect to TR, some of his observations are apposite. On page xv, he says: "Great presidents possess, or are possessed by, a vision of an ideal America." Surely, that describes Roosevelt. At another point, Schlesinger says that (Page xv): "To succeed, presidents must not only have a port to seek but they must convince Congress and the electorate that it is a port worth seeking." Both observations seem to fit TR, where they did not fit Warren Harding or Chester Arthur or Rutherford Hayes or Benjamin Harrison or. . . .

The book begins by describing TR's rather well off childhood. Some problems. His beloved father dies prematurely. He had physical ailments. To address the latter, he exercised and even spent time in the Wild West, building himself up physically.

His public life began in rather exotic positions, such as president of New York City's Board of Police Commissioners. He was named as Assistant Secretary of the Navy after William McKinley's victory in the presidential campaign of 1896. After the Maine's destruction and the road to war with Spain, he resigned and, as we all know, became head of a group of troops named "The Rough Riders." After estimable service in Cuba, he returned as a war hero. The governorship of New York and then nomination as vice president to William McKinley (perhaps to get him out of New York?).

He became an accidental president after McKinley's assassination. The book chronicles his views and actions as president, when he was known as a "trust buster" and as the advocate of a "Square Deal." He was known for many accomplishments (some of which might raise eyebrows), such as the construction of the Panama Canal (as some Senator said years later, "We stole it fair and square!"). He left the presidency, followed by his handpicked successor, William Howard Taft. Then, the tale of his disillusionment with Taft, his Bull Moose campaign, his disgust with Woodrow Wilson is depicted.

Auchincloss is a fine writer, and this book reads well. For those who want a "quick and dirty" introduction to TR, this will fill the bill.

This is the second volume in the new American Presidents series edited by Arthur M. Schlessinger, and like the first on James Madison, provides excellent, although brief insight into one of America's most fascinating characters. The prime focus of this book is on TR's presidential and post-presidential years. Limited space does not allow for anything more than a brief summary of Roosevelt's early life, which may actually be his most interesting period. Still there is enough to give the reader a basis for understanding Roosevelt's revolutionary power-expanding actions as President. Auchincloss does a wonderful job of filling this short volume with all of the important events of Roosevelt's life while keeping to a very enjoyable and readable style. It is a good introduction to Roosevelt and will leave you wanting to learn more.

The short biographies that form the American Presidents series do an admirable job in capturing the heart of the accomplishments and characters of our country's leaders. Some of the volumes succeed further in offering, in addition to an introduction, challenging reassessments of their subject's place in history. Bunting's book on Grant and Diggins's study of John Adams are in this latter category. With a leader as complex and energetic as Theodore Roosevelt, (1858 - 1919), the task of a brief portrayal is daunting indeed. Louis Auchincloss has generally succeeded in offering a portrait of TR and his presidency that will serve for basic information. For a more complex and detailed view, the book should encourage the reader to explore further.

The American composer Scott Joplin wrote a delightful ragtime called "The Strenuous Life" in honor of TR but with a hint of satire as well. The phrase aptly describes TR and his era. A sickly child born to great wealth, the twelve-year old TR took seriously his father's injunction to "make your body!" as well as his mind. TR became a dynamo, moving out west to become the owner of a cattle ranch in Dakota in the 1880s and leading the fabled charge of the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. In the midst of a busy life, TR found time to write about 40 books, including his autobiography and innumerable letters.

In his politics, TR developed a unique position as a Republican party regular and as a progressive. He served in the 1880s' as a New York State assemblyman and as Governor of New York, among other accomplishments, before being called to the vice-presidency. He became the 26th president upon the death of McKinley in 1901, and then was elected to a term of his own. TR famously declined to run for a second elected term, a decision he lived to regret.

TR's presidency had many accomplishments, striking out in as many directions as the man himself. He was a trust-buster who believed in American capitalism, individualism and business. He was also a famous conservationist. In foreign policy, he was a mixture of calmness and bellicosity, acquiring the Panama Canal, expanding the Navy, and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for settling a dispute between Russia and Japan.

Following his term, TR took a lengthy safari as a big-game hunter in Africa and upon his return became disillusioned with the presidency of his chosen successor, William H. Taft. TR bolted the Republican party and, alas, took the progressives with him. The split in the GOP between its progressives and its conservatives has lasted to this day. The immediate result was the election of Woodrow Wilson to the presidency.

Auchincloss tells the story of TR simply and well. But I came away from this book curious to know more. In particular, I would have liked to learn more about TR's writings, some of which are available in a two-volume set published by the Library of America. Auchincloss evidences a certain skepticism about TR, pointing out ways in which TR's America, as well as TR's values, differ from contemporary America and from the choices of many contemporary Americans. As explained by Auchincloss, these values, which seem closely interrelated, center upon TR's elevation of the worth of toughness -- "machismo", -- his sexual restraint and even prudery, and his views on the relationship between men and women, which today would commonly be regarded as sexist. I remain fascinated with TR's strength, vigor, and sense of purpose, combined with his high powers of intellect. His forcefulness and belief in our country, tempered as it usually was with prudence, still has much to teach us.

Robin Friedman

Obviously, a 140 page biography is far from complete. I would recommend "Theodore Rex" as a much more thorough biography. But what this biography lacks in completeness, it compensates for with some the more obscure elements of Roosevelt's life. Particular attention is paid to family life and Roosevelt's social views.

Just from the pages devoted, one might assume that Roosevelt's term as president was brief. The amount of pages devoted to his greatest time seems rather odd. Furthermore, the author does not shy away from Roosevelt's short-comings. The partisan rants of Roosevelt during Woodrow Wilson's terms in office tarnish Roosevelt's legacy of leadership.

In many ways, Roosevelt was the first "green" president with his protection of forestry and expanding national forests from 42 million acres to 172 acres during his term and created 51 national wildlife refuges. This is a trait that people from both sides of the aisle can admire.

These comments are for the Audio Renaissance book of "Theodore Roosevelt" by Louis Auchincloss. This audio book consists of 3 cassettes with a playtime of 4 hours. Ira Claffey reads the book and does a very credible performance. I was pleased to read on the cassette storage box that this production was unabridged.

The three cassettes are not stored in individual hinged boxes but are secured in a sturdy plastic case with a paperboard cover that opens like a small hardbound book. In fact the case is designed to stand up on edge making it an ideal storage medium for a library shelf or your home bookcase.

I would like to highlight two items I took away from this book.

The issues we confront today with the progressive movement - taxes, business regulations, and social policy - originated with TR's "Bull Moose" third party campaign during the 1912 presidential election. We are still wrangling over the same issues and hundred years later.

One of the chapters in this book consists of candid quotes from TR's letters. His way with words, caustic expressions and startling opinions are refreshing and surprising. I certainly enjoyed hearing them.

This audio book is part of the series "The American President" with Arthur M. Schlesinger as general editor. Different authors write these short biographies of the Presidents so you a presented with an assortment of perspectives and styles. I have previously listened too the audio versions of Jefferson, John Quincy Adams and Eisenhower and have read the Nixon volume. If you are inclined these volumes provide an excellent introduction to our history and the politics that rule and, at times, confound our destiny.

These volumes are certainly not the last word on the subject as I found out recently with I started listening to the Edmund Morris monumental three-volume biography of TR.

Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most dynamic presidents in the history of our country. After being born in affluence, he established himself as a man's man by becoming the leader of a crew of rough country characters and city men and leading them in the Spanish-American conflict in Cuba. He himself led the charge up San Juan hill which proved to be pivotal in winning the battle.

He also had stints as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Commissioner of Police in New York City, Governor of New York, Vice President, and ultimately President following the assassination of William McKinley. Throughout his life, he was a diligent reader and even endeavored on writing several books himself. He had a very excitable and strong personality with a constant bent towards leadership and inspiring others to his vision.

The only short coming of this book is the concise almost cliff notes story of his life. He had so many exciting experiences and such vivacity of life that I would liked to gone into more depth and may check out additional accounts of his life.

Masterful writing and insightful information does not make up for what is essentially introductory material into the amazing life of Theodore Roosevelt. Divided chronologically, the author uses a macro-historical look at the political mosaic of Roosevelt's life. Using letters, quotes, and documented research, we find a slightly biased yet fair treatment of Roosevelt's complexity and world-view.

Putting to rest the criticism of imperialism, the author demonstrates TR's philosophy of caring for the people, for nature, for the nation, for his family, and his relentless commitment to excellence in all pursuits. Several asides about hunting, ending corruption, and some contradictory information found in various letters, add a glow to this little biography, providing an excellent overview of TR's life. Especially satisfactory were the pieces on the Panama and the criticisms of both Taft and Wilson.

Yet in spite of the fine writing and the keen perceptions provided, the book felt rather confusing at times. Excess detail quickly gave way to broad generalizations. Good stories seemed to dissolve and replaced with a need to get to the end. Most likely the writer was slightly uncomfortable in the genre and desired a more creative outlet for his ability.

For those seeking a truncated biography laced with nice tidbits of political information on TR, this is the one. Anyone wanting more depth and personal information should find a complete biography.

History never ends; it merely repeats similar but never identical challenges and opportunities and thus determines the fate of nations and leaders by the response to old events in new settings.

And so, President Theodore Roosevelt is a prototype for Barack Obama. It makes this 2002 book a guide to the next four years, perhaps a forecast for the next century.

The popular image of Roosevelt is a Rough Rider vigorously charging up San Juan Hill like a Bull Moose -- the Rambo, or perhaps Dumbo, of his generation. This book offers a more astute portrait of a complex intellect who used bravado and the Bully Pulpit as images and not as a crutch.

Roosevelt inherited the Gilded Age excesses, just as Obama inherits the wreckage of the Greedy Age; his guiding principle, shaped by his vigorous response to devastating asthmatic attacks as a child, was "the classic credo that every man is master of his fate."

He became president when the Great Powers, real or in sorry delusions, were Britain, France, Germany, Austria/Hungary, Russia and Japan. Due to his intellect and ability, he became the moderator of their disputes. The Great White Fleet was a powerful image; Roosevelt was the intellect to which they listened.

Had he been president in 1914, could he have prevented or stopped World War I? Auchincloss raises this issue and concludes Roosevelt was deluding himself; however, based on his successes in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 and the Moroccan Crisis of 1906, he might have succeeded.

Roosevelt's words were often bravado, but his actions were common sense and realistic. For example, in 1895 he advocated "an immediate war with Great Britain for the conquest of Canada." In 1903, when faced with the Alaska-Canada border dispute, he settled for negotiation (Canada has never lost a war with the U.S., or won an argument).

In conclusion, this is a brief but superb study of Roosevelt's character and major decisions. In some ways he was greatly flawed, but it many ways greatly talented and wise. It's easy to be president if no major decisions are required -- think of Millard Fillmore, president from 1850-53; Roosevelt is an example of the ability to respond to great challenges.

May America do as well in the next four to eight years.

Louis Auchincloss is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, and while he has certainly received a notable number of awards and sold great numbers of books during a 50+ year career, he is underappreciated in my estimation.

This short and imminently readable biography of Theodore Roosevelt shows Auchincloss the historian, not Auchincloss the novelist, at his finest -- though of course, his narrative powers developed in writing novels certainly add to the liveliness. Weighing in at about 150 pages, including notes and timelines, this book is a great introduction to TR for either the serious student of history or the political gadfly.

I can also imagine it being used to great effect in a classroom, given its length and the clarity of its prose.

A nice concise summary of the life of Teddy Roosevelt. Auchincloss does a good job of detailing the essentials of his life. Roosevelt was a Republican with a progressive bent. The author showed how his policies were often at odds with the pro business Republican party. However, TR managed to compromise and get a program through Congress that was progressive. He also used power overtly as in the Panama Crisis, even though it was for the good of the country and world.

The American Presidents series are all nice reads. Although some presidents do not merit the full book, TR certainly deserves more space and attention. He was truly one of the better presidents as the author points out.